For a quarter of an hour the young men walked in a single line, the paths of the Salton garden being wide and well-maintained. Then Anthony remarked with a laugh that they were obviously eager to gossip, so Charlotte took Vivian's arm, and Jeremy and his friend Cranford slowed their pace so as not to overhear the girls' giggles and talked politics again.
– Forgive my naivety, my dear, but your husband is so polite to me that it's hard to believe that he's actually a tyrant and a despot! – whispered Charlotte to her friend.
– That's gossip! – Vivian exclaimed loudly and laughed, knowing that Jeremy, currently talking to her cousin, was staring at her back. And, leaning in close to Charlotte's face, she said quietly: – It is only a mask, only a screen. He is so charming in society, but so contradictory in his home. Many of the servants are afraid of him. Of course, they have never once voiced this fear aloud, but I can easily read it on their faces.
– I beg you, tell your cousin! He will protect you!
– I can't. If he finds out and discusses it with my husband, the news of my unenviable position will slip out of Wington Hall and be savoured all over London. And my aunt? She will be overjoyed at my tragedy! But, my dear, it's your turn to laugh.
– Probably at the ball in honour of the engagement of the Duke of Nightingale and his bride, many ladies will be weeping tears! – Charlotte said in a cheerful, loud tone.
– Are you sure they'll give a ball? – Vivian chuckled. – They've been engaged for three months and we still can't get an invitation! – She leaned down to her friend's face again and whispered: – Do you really think we shall soon be able to dance at this ball?
– Naturally, my dear. It is considered bad manners to announce an engagement and not to have a celebration," Charlotte answered in the affirmative and whispered: – But should you accept this invitation? You are married, but I suppose your feelings for the Duke are still intact?
– Oh, it doesn't matter now. Don't worry, I won't shed tears when I see him leading his bride to dance…" Vivian coughed and turned to the gentlemen and shouted: "And what are you gentlemen discussing so heatedly?
– War, my dear wife! – replied Jeremy.
– Oh, the boredom of death! – said the girl. – But what a freezing day it is!